Zuupr
Back to all countries

How to start a company in Sweden

Sweden offers a transparent, digital-first company formation process. Most companies register online via Bolagsverket (Swedish Companies Registration Office) within a few business days.

Formation time
1–3 weeks (digital registration is fastest)
Typical cost
SEK 1,900 online; SEK 2,200 by post (excluding share capital)
Currency
SEK

Legal structures

Aktiebolag (Limited Company)
AB
Most common structure — separate legal entity, limited liability, required for most serious ventures.
Min. capital
SEK 25,000 share capital
Liability
Limited
Handelsbolag (Trading Partnership)
HB
Partnership between 2+ people — partners are jointly and personally liable for debts.
Min. capital
No minimum
Liability
Unlimited
Kommanditbolag (Limited Partnership)
KB
Partnership with at least one general partner (unlimited liability) and one limited partner.
Min. capital
No minimum
Liability
Mixed
Enskild Firma (Sole Trader)
EF
Simplest form — no legal separation, owner is personally liable, taxed as individual income.
Min. capital
No minimum
Liability
Unlimited

Formation steps

  1. 1

    Choose a company name

    Same day

    Search availability at Bolagsverket. Name must include the legal form (e.g. 'AB') and be unique.

  2. 2

    Deposit share capital (AB only)

    1–5 business days

    Open a share-capital bank account and deposit at least SEK 25,000. Bank issues a certificate.

  3. 3

    Draft articles of association (bolagsordning)

    Same day

    Template available from Bolagsverket — specify business activity, share structure, board composition.

  4. 4

    Register with Bolagsverket

    1–3 weeks

    Submit application via verksamt.se (digital) or by post. Digital is faster and SEK 300 cheaper.

  5. 5

    Register with Skatteverket (Tax Agency)

    2–4 weeks

    Apply for F-tax approval, VAT registration, and employer registration in one combined application.

  6. 6

    Open a business bank account

    1–4 weeks

    Transfer share capital and activate normal business banking. Swedish banks run strict KYC.

Required documents

  • Articles of association (bolagsordning)
  • Application form (Nyregistrering)
  • Bank certificate of share capital deposit (AB only)
  • ID documents for founders, board members, and CEO
  • Swedish address for the registered office

Tax basics

Corporate tax rate
20.6% (bolagsskatt)
VAT / sales tax
25% VAT (moms) standard; 12% and 6% reduced rates on food, hotels, books, and transport
Registration threshold
VAT registration compulsory when turnover exceeds SEK 120,000/year
Reporting cadence
VAT: monthly or quarterly; Corporate tax: annual; Employer returns: monthly

Common pitfalls

Underestimating bank KYC — opening a Swedish business bank account can take weeks and banks can refuse without explanation.

Missing the annual report (årsredovisning) deadline — late filing triggers penalties and public strike-off risk.

Confusing F-tax (F-skatt) with ordinary tax registration — you need F-tax to invoice clients without VAT withholding.

Not setting aside money for preliminary tax (preliminärskatt) — Skatteverket estimates and collects monthly.

Ready to start invoicing?

Once your company is registered, Zuupr handles invoicing, payments, and business intelligence — all in one place.

Last reviewed 2026-04-05. This guide is for information only and is not legal or tax advice. Verify specifics with a local professional before acting.